Elon Musk's Role in High-Stakes Talks Between Trump and Zelensky Revealed

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
08/11/2024 20h15

**Elon Musk Joins Call Between Trump and Zelensky Following US Presidential Election**

Tech mogul Elon Musk participated in a call between US President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shortly after Trump's electoral victory, as revealed by a source familiar with the matter. Due to the sensitivity of the discussion, the source spoke anonymously to CNN.

Zelensky had previously taken to X to congratulate Trump on his "historic landslide" win, indicating that they discussed maintaining close communication and enhancing bilateral cooperation. Zelensky emphasized that robust US leadership is crucial for global stability and a fair peace.

The call, first reported by Axios, comes at a critical juncture for Kyiv. As Russia advances in the Donbas region, which President Vladimir Putin is determined to fully capture, Trump's electoral success has added a layer of unpredictability. Throughout his campaign, Trump has expressed skepticism about continuing US support for Ukraine, suggesting that the US might push Kyiv towards an uneasy truce with Russia.

Musk's involvement raises questions about his potential influence in the new administration. His pro-Trump super PAC invested over $118 million in the 2024 campaign. Moreover, Musk has proposed leading an extensive initiative to reduce federal government expenditures.

In Ukraine, Musk's Starlink internet service has been a vital asset since the Russian invasion in 2022, enabling Ukrainian forces to maintain communication and share real-time data in combat zones where traditional phone services have been disrupted. However, concerns have been raised about Musk's associations with foreign leaders perceived as adversaries to the US.

US officials have shown apprehension regarding Musk's interactions with Russia. Despite SpaceX's collaborations with NASA and the US military potentially granting Musk access to sensitive information, American intelligence agencies are cautious about probing his foreign relations, considering he's a US citizen. Last year, Musk was reportedly in "regular contact" with Putin, discussing personal, business, and geopolitical issues, a September Wall Street Journal report uncovered.

While Musk did not comment on the Journal's findings, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed only one call between Musk and Putin, focusing on space and technological discussions. The evolving story of Musk's international connections continues to raise questions about national security as the new administration takes shape.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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